Audi Australia has officially detailed pricing and specifications for the all-new 2026 Audi RS 5, marking a major turning point as the brand’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. The latest RS 5 blends classic Audi Sport performance DNA with electrified tech, rebuilt from the ground up.
Known as the track-ready version of the Audi A5 range, it aims to deliver sharper dynamics, stronger performance, and improved everyday usability. The new Audi RS 5 range will arrive in the second half of 2026 in Australia.
Pricing and variants
| Variants | Pricing (before on-roads) |
|---|---|
| Audi RS 5 Sedan | $179,900 |
| Audi RS 5 Avant | $182,900 |
Two body styles, broader appeal
The Audi RS 5 will be offered in Sedan and Avant (wagon) body styles for the first time. Both variants retain the core RS formula of precision, performance, and cutting-edge tech while broadening appeal for Australian buyers.
According to Audi Australia Director Jeff Mannering, electrification enhances rather than alters the RS character, bringing greater performance, sharper responsiveness, and improved daily usability.
PHEV powertrain and performance details
| Specification | Audi RS 5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9L V6 twin-turbo petrol |
| Battery | 25.9kWh |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic automatic |
| Combined power | 470kW (+139kW) |
| Combined torque | 825Nm (+225Nm) |
| Acceleration (0–100 km/h) | 3.6s |
| Top speed | 250km/h |
| Electric range | 78km (WLTP) |
| AC charging | 11kW (0-100% in 2.5h) |
Audi RS 5 now runs on a newly developed PHEV system. The hybrid system boosts both efficiency and responsiveness, with instant electric torque enhancing acceleration and enabling advanced torque vectoring.
The battery is designed for consistent output even at low charge and extreme temperatures, and active cooling in performance modes ensures sustained high-load driving. This setup allows for daily electric driving, quiet operation when needed, and full RS performance on demand.
The Audi RS 5 comes with a full charging setup. It includes a Type 2 public charging cable, a 240V domestic plug, a 32A industrial connector, and a wall-mounted storage bracket.
Next-gen Quattro and torque control
The Audi RS 5 debuts a new-generation quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with Dynamic Torque Control. It has the world-first rear transaxle for hybrid applications, an electric actuator (8kW/40Nm) managing torque between rear wheels and millisecond torque redistribution.
This delivers improved agility, greater stability, and enhanced cornering precision. It works even off-throttle and under braking, unlike traditional systems. And a redesigned centre differential and new rear diff further sharpen response and control.
Boost function and chassis upgrades
A new steering wheel-mounted boost function unlocks up to 10 seconds of maximum output, optimised gear selection, and louder, more aggressive exhaust note.
The new Audi RS sport suspension has twin-valve dampers and works with real-time adaptive damping and reduced pitch and roll.
It features 21-inch forged alloy wheels with a wider rear setup for better contact and grip. The result is a balance of everyday comfort and serious performance capability.
Also read: Special edition Audi RS 3 Competition Limited debuts
Exterior design details
The new Audi RS 5 features a more muscular stance, reflecting its performance upgrades. Here are its exterior highlights:
- Wide body with stronger road presence
- Single-frame grille with 3D honeycomb pattern
- Functional air intakes
- Lighting and Details
- Digital OLED rear lights with RS-specific signature
- Matrix LED headlights with customisable signatures
- RS projection lighting in mirrors
- 21-inch RS wheels (four finishes)
- Red brake callipers
- Gloss black styling package
- Privacy glass and acoustic glazing
- RS rear spoiler (Sedan)
- Roof-edge spoiler (Avant)
Interior details
The Audi RS 5 blends sporty intent with premium comfort inside. Here are the key interior highlights:
- RS sport seats with integrated headrests
- Perforated leather with honeycomb stitching
- Dinamica microfibre and carbon micro twill trim
- Flat-top/bottom RS steering wheel
- Satellite buttons and shift paddles
- 12 o’clock marker
- Electric seats with memory
- Ventilation and massage (front)
- Heated front and outer rear seats
- Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency
- Three-zone climate control
- Latest Audi digital ecosystem
- 11.9-inch virtual cockpit
- 14.5-inch central touchscreen
- Front passenger display
- Head-up display
- Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System
- Integrated headrest speakers
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wireless)
- Digital radio
- Wireless charging with cooling
- Multiple USB ports (rear ports support even laptops)
Also read: Audi launches new-gen 3.0-litre V6 diesel
Safety and driver assistance
Standard safety tech of the PHEV Audi RS 5 includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control with emergency assist
- Lane departure warning
- Lane change assist with rear cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree camera with park assist
- Integrated dashcam
- Rear occupant detection
- Speed sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring
Ownership and warranty
Audi backs the RS 5 with:
- 5-year vehicle warranty
- 8-year high-voltage battery warranty
- 12-year anti-corrosion body warranty
- Optional 5-year service plans
- Audi Advantage program (extend warranty, servicing, roadside assist up to 9 years)
- Complimentary Audi Experience membership with events and partner offers
The takeaway
The all-new 2026 Audi RS 5 represents a major evolution for Audi Sport, blending serious performance with electrification for the first time. It sets a new benchmark for mid-size performance cars in Australia, with more power, advanced hybrid tech, and a broader model lineup.
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